NSW Operator of the Year
Sponsored by the NSW Water Directorate
This is the most prestigious award presented at WIOA NSW conference annually. The award is presented to operators of water or wastewater treatment facilities to recognise excellent performance, initiative and all round attention to detail.
The NSW Water Directorate as award sponsor sends a letter to all Council and Water Authority CEO’s annually requesting nominations of “operations staff” to be considered for the Award.
The criteria for the determination of the winner is that nominees should be employed in New South Wales and should have direct responsibility for operational decisions at community water and wastewater treatment plants/ or industrial water or wastewater plants.
The following features are taken into account in considering worthy recipients:
- Continuing education/training achievement;
- Overall plant or system management and condition;
- Demonstrated attention to Occupational Health and Safety and other regulatory responsibilities;
- Initiative and innovation, demonstrating improved treatment and efficiency
The completed applications are judged by an independent panel and the winner of the Water Directorate NSW Operator of the Year Award is announced at the Awards Dinner at the WIOA NSW conference annually.
The winner receives a perpetual trophy for his or her organisation to keep for 12 months plus a personal trophy to keep permanently. The winner also receives a trip to New Zealand to join a study tour and participate in the WIOG NZ conference.
NSW Operator of the Year - Honour Roll
New South Wales Operator of the Year – Honour Roll
YEAR | CONFERENCE VENUE | OPERATOR OF THE YEAR | EMPLOYER |
2022 | Tamworth | David Miller | Parkes Shire Council |
2021 | WIOA Reconnects – Online | Geoff Matheson | Midcoast Water |
2020 | Virtual Water – Online | Matthew Agnew | Midcoast Water |
2019 | Orange | Danny Roberts | Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
2018 | Tamworth | David Cashen | Bathurst Regional Council |
2017 | Canberra | Shane Kimber | Shoalhaven Water |
2016 | Newcastle | Mark Gogola | Orange City Council |
2015 | Orange | Glenn Clifford | Dubbo City Council |
2014 | Orange | Todd Pattison | Wyong Shire Council |
2013 | Canberra | Neville Woodward | Coffs Harbour City Council |
2012 | Tamworth | Erwin Balsar | Shoalhaven City Council |
2011 | Newcastle | Allen Paul | Clarence Valley Council |
2010 | Bathurst | Les Potter | Coffs Harbour Council |
2009 | Tamworth | Ross Waugh | Coffs Harbour Council |
2008 | Newcastle | Peter Hale | Shoalhaven Water |
2007 | Dubbo | Pat Welsh | Midcoast Water |
NSW Operator of the Year
2023 Nomination Form
Coming Soon